For the first time this year, cotton farmers are selling their crop through an auctioning system, putting them on an equal footing with cotton producers across the globe.

The system cuts out intermediaries. Egyptian cotton is known worldwide for its quality and the new system is part of the government’s strategy to make Egypt once again one of the largest hubs for cotton trading as was the case in the early 20th century. 

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 September, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly